UA students venture to Costa Rica

Several UA students and group leaders recently returned to the Capstone from a five-day excursion to Costa Rica as part of a custom course from the Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School. The students participated in a great number of activities, but focused on sea turtle conservation.

Jessica Falla, a custom course manager for CRROBS, said many students aren't aware of the opportunities that Outward Bound schools can offer them.

"Outward Bound is an international program that allows students from every part of the globe to go to other countries and experience different aspects of life. There are Outward Bound schools for a number of countries and locations around the world," Falla said. "The CRROBS is part of that system."

Falla said all programs conducted by CRROBS focus on personal development, growth and introspection.

"All of the Outward Bound schools provide a healthy atmosphere without distractions such as alcohol for students taking the courses," Falla said. "We find that conducting the courses like this allows students more opportunities to grow."

The course that several students from the Capstone attended through the custom course process focused on protecting sea turtle habits, Falla said.

"The students worked on a turtle conservation project specifically protecting the leatherback, olive ridley and green turtles in Playa Marbella," Falla said. "Students cleared the turtles' nesting area of debris and trash, picked up plastic, which is one of the turtle's biggest threats, patrolled nests at night and covered up the nests to protect the eggs from poachers."

Protecting turtles was only part of the experience, however, Falla said. Students also learned how to surf, among other things.

"When students weren't saving turtles, they learned how to surf, snorkeled and made jewelry with their instructors," Falla said. "All of our courses feature components like these, and students are free to select which ones they want in their custom courses."

Falla said CRROBS has a number of semester-long classes in which students can earn college credit.

"We are an expedition school, but that isn't to say that students won't get credit," Falla said. "We have several semester-long classes that provide education in Spanish, among other things."

Falla said students gain many great experiences from courses taken through CRROBS.

"Many students chose to combine one of several elements of numerous courses, resulting in a custom course that can get them college credit," Falla said. The Spanish immersion aspect is of particular interest to many students.

Falla said the courses CRROBS offers are not just for students.

"We offer courses for families, as well," Falla said. "Some courses have age requirements, but we can work with students and their families to create a course that everyone can enjoy."